This timeline is some where in season 2 , near the middle..basically where they start/are to die off-except they survive.
Kondou than decided that New Year's meant his boys deserved a round of sake. Everyone was in high spirits, even the rough-looking Hijikata.
It had been quite awhile since the last time they all drank together-it really wasn't much about the sake though, as much as it was relaxing and enjoying each other's company.
It was also going to be Chizuru's second time coming along. She was happy to see everyone to cheerful. She was also slightly worried about being harassed again, not like she hated kimonos or anything. The girl shrugged it off and remembered it wasn't really that bad-she was just embarrased.
The guys were horsing around, Sanosuke and Shinpachi harrasing Heisuke about his young drinking habits, Okita was putting his sly act on; persuasion to get more sake off Kondou, as if he'd behave far better with it. Saito was quiet like usual, smiling quietly to himself. He and Hijikata often stood silently taking in their environmental atmosphere, even if their actions showed little. They often simply liked to savor what they had for how long it lasted-because they knew battles awaited at any given time, tomorrow could be their last.
"Okay guys, well since sake is on me tonight, I hope you will at least cooperate with our doctor today-like for example, last time he wanted us to clean up...I don't think Chizuru can do that all by herself."
Sanosuke frowned, shrugging his arms "Awe, we were a burden for Chizuru? No way, come on guys!" he shouted, grabbing a broom, and ended in falling over the handle, face first.
Kondou tried not to laugh aloud"I see someone hasn't been picking up his chores...come on Sanosuke! The broom is like a spear—only the other end is made for cleaning messes instead of making them" he smirked.
"Yeah, like the red stains your spear leaves behind!" Shinpachi joined himself in.
"Hey! Your sword leaves bigger messes, at least I only stab the guy" Sanosuke retorted in defense.
"Yeah, well...at least my guys stay dead" Okita added.
"Yes, and what a bloody mess, too, eh?"
Shinpachi grinned. He knew Okita was a bit dark on the inside. The joke wouldn't be too offensive.
"Yeah...sometimes" admitted Okita, scratching his head.
As the men helped their female member tidy the headquarters, the day seemed to pass them by quicker than they thought. It was still fairly light outside, but everyone grew rather hungry and decided cleaning was actually a lot of work—work they weren't really excited about.
"Oh man, I just want to eat...and than, later we can go out. Maybe if we work our butts off it will go by faster" groaned Heisuke.
"Oh, you are just a growing boy, you'll stop feeling so hungry when your strong like us" Shinpachi teasted.
"Yeah, some days...I don't even feel it!" Sanosuke exclaimed rather enthusiastically, with a hit of obliviousness.
"Dude, you don't even feel your stomach? How?" Heisuke leaned over, curious of this possibility.
"Well, for one, samurai should be able to go without food when necessary-you'll understand one day, short one"
"I do believe in such ideals, however I do prefer to eat" Saito seemed to appear out of nowhere like usual.
"Eating is no problem for shinobi-even if were short, we compromise with what we find" Yamazaki also managed to appear out of nowhere.
"Yeah, well, if I was that hungry, I'd compromise too...even plants look tasty sometimes"
"Actually..."He eyed Saito for amused confirmation if he should even bother sharing"when it goes rough, sometimes I eat the bugs. Beetles aren't too bad, they do seem rather bitter though-"
"What? Okay, That's disgusting!...no way I'm eating no damn bug...you ninjas can keep your ways, I'll stick with rice" Heisuke appeared utterly disgusted, tongue sticking out.
"As would I..."
The men walked together in a small group towards the room they frequented for supper. They held a short practice session with their units, and let them go early. If the captains were going to be out celebrating, it was only fair to let the other men enjoy their evening as well.
It was near 10pm when everyone started towards their favourite outing destination. In all reality, not a lot of merriment had been taking place until now-they had lost many men, moved from several other headquarters, and with the pressure to impress their lord for support, their number of victories were actually declining from rash orders being given.
